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Time--2017 A to Z Theme

My theme for the 2018 Blogging from A to Z April Challenge is "Cleaning the Clutter"--I might literally be cleaning my closets or figuratively clearing the excess from some other part of my life. I'm sure you can think of other things this could mean for you as well.

Always a work in progress--welcome to my blog...

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Sunday, November 1, 2015

If You Have Ghosts (BOTB)

If you've dropped in for the Question of the Month you'll find that toward the bottom of this post. But before you go there I hope you'll enjoy my first Battle of the Bands entry for November.

Battle of the Bands!!!

Battle of the Bands is here again! In case anyone is wondering, this is an event that takes place on the 1st and 15th of each month. Far Away Eyes atFar Away Series gets the credit for first conceiving this now popular event. Blogger Stephen T McCarthy maintains the participant list and answers your questions about the event--you can find his blog with a list of participants atStMcC Presents Battle of the Bands. This is not at all complicated: Listen to the song versions presented below and then in the comments vote for your favorite and tell us why you liked it. Then visit the links listed near the bottom of this post for more Battles to vote on."If You Have Ghosts"To celebrate Halloween and The Day of the Dead, the song I've chosen for this round of Battle is "If You Have Ghosts" by Roky Erickson. I've written about Roky Erickson and his group the Thirteenth Elevators on my blog before. You can find a couple of posts here and here. Also I discuss some of the allusions referred to in this song in my most recent blog post at Wrote By Rote. Erickson has written a great deal of music inspired by the supernatural, science fiction, and the spiritual. His music is often a bit rough around the edges with peculiar lyrics, but he's also been diagnosed as being afflicted with paranoid schizophrenia and was institutionalized for a period for that affliction. For more about Roky I highly recommend the documentary You're Gonna Miss Mewhich discusses his life with mental illness and his journey to cope with it as he eventually returns to recording and performing with the help of his brother. Roky has recorded "If You Have Ghosts" more than once, but here is his 1981 recording of the song with his group The Aliens. I offer the video for reference only! PLEASE DON'T VOTE ON THIS VERSION! Scroll down if you'd just prefer to hear the two versions offered for voting purposes.

And now for the actual contestants in this round of Battle of the Bands:

Wesley Stace is not only a renowned novelist, reviewer, university professor, and show producer, but also a rock star who records under the name "John Wesley Harding", a name taken from Bob Dylan's album of the same title. As a musician, Harding has released over 20 albums and continues to tour performing his music.

This version of "If You Have Ghosts" appeared on the Roky Erickson tribute album Where the Pyramid Meets the Eye. If you're not familiar with this album I highly recommend it--great recordings of Erickson's music by some outstanding music artists.

Originally known as Ghost BC, the heavy metal group Ghost hails from Sweden. Similar to groups such as Kiss, Ghost takes the stage in garish costumes and make-up with highly theatrical performances. Their version of "If You Have Ghosts" appears on their EP If You Have Ghost which was produced by Dave Grohl of the groups Nirvana and the Foo Fighters. Don't let the "heavy metal" label turn you off as I'd consider this recording to be more pop rock than anything. Tell us what you think.

Time to Vote! Don't be scared to vote on this Battle. I hope you'll add your vote to this contest. Which song version do you like the best? Judge what you hear in the above videos. Which version do you prefer? It's up to you to help determine the winner.

The winner of this Battle will be announced on Friday November 6th. Then starting on Monday November 9th I'll begin an epic week leading into my next Battle of the Bands on November 15th. But more about that later.

The Question of the Month is hosted by Michael G D'Agostino from A Life Examined. The first Monday of each month I'll be answering a question posed by Michael prior to event day. Click on the link to his blog for more participants.

Here is the question for November:

Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

In reality I am definitely an introvert who tries to come across as an extrovert. Left to my natural inclinations among a group of people I don't know and have no stake in winning over, I get in my introvert cocoon to stay as inconspicuous as I can. In other cases I might appear to be as extroverted as all get out as I make my rounds to meet people.

All in all I'm pretty content to be home alone or with only those close to me.

I suppose many of the ghosts lurking in my memories have to do with opportunities lost due to my naturally introverted nature. Perhaps had I been bolder in my ways in my younger years, my circumstances might had turned out far different than they did. On the other hand, I have had a good life so maybe it's best that things turned out the way they did because of the way I was.

<< Erickson has written a great deal of music inspired by the supernatural, science fiction, and the spiritual. His music is often a bit rough around the edges with peculiar lyrics >>

The same is true of the artist known as Rob Zombie.

I recently noticed that some people who comment and vote in band battles prefer to be brutally honest to the point of offending the host. Your comment on my current post was laced with humor and didn't bother me as much as the comments of a few other friends. My approach, Lee, has always been to temper honesty with tact, to show courtesy and respect and try to find something positive to write. If brutal honesty is the common currency of BOTB then I will try to remember to be brutally honest from now on.

To be brutally honest with you, Lee, I was all set to hate but instead actually enjoyed these two competing versions of "If You Have Ghosts." I got my hopes up when I read that Ghost B.C. is a metal band from Sweden. I enjoyed their take but wish they would have unleashed some death growls and heavy metal thunder as do other Scandinavian metal bands I like. Instead, I found their version too tame and the version by Harding slightly more interesting, exciting and entertaining. I vote for John Wesley Harding. Thanks, Lee!

Tom, my warning about the heavy metal label was of course because so many of those who follow BOTB have said they don't like metal so I wanted to be sure that they didn't avoid listening.

Out of curiosity I checked out some other cuts by Ghost to see what kind of music they typically played and yes, what I heard was growly metal. I guess the Grohl produced EP was just a change in pace. The group even covers an Abba tune on it!

As for Rob Zombie, I've not listened to much of his music, but I haven't much cared for what I've heard nor have I been very impressed by the persona he delivers. At least Roky Erickson might attribute some of strange fixations on his mental illness, a topic that I find of interest having been a psychology major for a while and being one who has a brother who has been institutionalized with schizophrenia.

As far as "brutal honesty" goes I don't know if it's been intended for offense, but rather critical analysis. I for one have had a fascination with the matter of personal taste and have written about this topic on occasion. Sometimes I'll come upon something that I think is great and I can't imagine how anyone could not like. Yet sometimes people do and I know how one can take offense to the point of having to defend what they think is so great.

When we ask for voters to explain the reason for their votes I think we'd like to see honesty in that explanation. Like others, I sometimes resort to what I view as humor and at other times my outright negative reaction. I can understand how this can be taken personally--I've felt it too--but I think it's best to just take it all in stride and aim for the more people pleasing battle next time around or to continue to be true to oneself and attempt to enlightened readers about music with which they might not be familiar. By all means be honest--as long as it's not an attack on anyone personally or telling someone they have lousy taste in music, if you've been fair that's about all you can do.

This song is new to me. I'd say it definitely falls under the "Pop" category, especially evident in the first recording. At least Ghost gives it a little more flair. Your assessment of Pop-Rock sounds right, not Metal. Please give my vote to Ghost.

You succeed in coming across as an extrovert, Lee. ☺ I'm a mix of both now, but grew up an introverted only child. Maturity made me more gregarious, but it depends on my mood of the day.

Yes, the second you said "Swedish heavy metal band" I immediately developed a bias. I was expecting thrashing guitars and hardcore "I'm getting murdered" screamo and me clawing my ears out. But I took your advice, gave it a listen, and that was actually very clean and well put together. Give me one very surprised vote for Swedish metal.

At first I thought I was going to vote for John Wesley Harding because his version had my head nodding and my foot tapping. And I was expecting something different from Ghost being that they are a heavy metal band but I really like their version! The music is smoother and I like the vocals better too. My vote goes to Ghost, so appropriate for this Halloween season.Re: extrovert vs introvert: I used to be an extrovert. I suppose I'm still considered an extrovert because I'll talk to just about anybody but as I've aged, I find myself being more and more introverted. Like you, I'm happy being at home alone with my dogs and don't miss the bar scene or the party circuit of my younger years.Re: wondering if your life would've turned out different had you been more extroverted: Get that out of your mind: Your life turned out exactly as it was supposed to and you are exactly where you are meant to be at this and every moment. That's my opinion anyway...Great battle, btw. I'm already playing Ghost's version for the second time. Has me curious to see if the rest of their music is like that...Michele at Angels Bark

Michele, I don't know if I'd call it introversion so much, but I do prefer to just stay at home. When I do get out I can usually mingle somewhat well although if I'm with my wife I'll stay in the shadows with her because she's very much an introvert.

I'm a firm believer in lives turning out as they should have been--things could have turned out a lot worse for me and I'm content where I am now.

Also listened after my first comment to the third version (missed it first time around, but not a fan of the organ music) I still like the John Wesley Harding version. I also like the Dylan version of a song John Wesley Harding-trad folk, but that's beside the point. . .

Like others have commented, I didn't expect to like the version by Ghost (heavy metal not being my cup of joe). I was pleasantly surprised by their version. As you say, it sounds more pop rock than metal.

It turns out I liked them both. I thought that I'd vote for John Wesley Harding (Ghost unheard) about mid-way through that version. However, I really liked the version by Ghost. I understood the lyrics better, which made me like the song more. So, give my vote to those crazy dressers from Sweden... Ghost.

Lee, in ways I sound a lot like you. I have grown to be more of an introvert over the years. I prefer to keep to myself ~ away from crowds, quiet & cozy gatherings, or at home. However, I'm by design a fairly outgoing person even though I don't always show it.

Thanks for stopping by my place & voting in my BoTB edition. I have not heard of this song or none of the artists. Surprise! Surprise! lol I actually prefer both cover singers over the original. I won't be sad to see either one win. You're right Ghost's cut is not at all heavy metal sounding ~ very listenable and quite good, but not enough to sway my vote in the end. I like Harding's voice the best between the two, so chalk up a point for John Wesley Harding!

Cathy, I think from age 19 or so to about 40 I liked getting out with people and socializing, but now I'm more like I tended to be when I was a child--a preference in staying home. It's still nice though to get out with people sometimes. I usually have a good time when I do that.

I didn't go with the original on this because Roky does tend to be a bit rough though this particular recording of him with The Aliens was a bit better produced than some of his stuff.

I vote for Ghost! I am one of those...not another heavy metal song...but this was quite well done. The first one was ok but they seemed to sway away a bit from the song whereas Ghost kept it all together and cohesive in my books. I am not surprised that you can be an introvert with extrovert tendencies. I have taken tests before (being a counsellor, I have done these at conferences) and I always end up 50% introvert and 50% extrovert. I am smack dab in the middle. It depends how I feel that day. My hubby, I think is a total extrovert

I rather liked them both, but was especially taken with Ghost; which is surprising since I cringed at their introduction - ha! Smooth harmony, rhythmic. Oddly reminiscent of other songs I couldn't put my finger on.Introvert here; preferring to observe, rather than partake - unless it's dancing!

LEE ~I actually enjoyed both covers of this song. I slightly preferred the JOHN WESLEY HARDING version. It was a bit more raw and electric sounding, which appealed to me on this song. The "heavy metal" band did indeed sound more 'Pop' and... tame. But ghosts can't be tamed, can they?

I liked both covers, but what I DON'T like is people who try to dictate to others how they should think, speak, and feel. In other words, I will never get along with a "control freak". Like a ghost, I can't be tamed nor controlled either. I like REAL, HONEST, GENUINE people - not "virtual" people who feel compelled to "act" and also try to force others to "act" and "get in line".

STMcC, when I'm in Blogland I sometimes feel like I'm in Strawberry Fields. Who knows what is and what isn't? That's even true with people I know or think I know in tangible life. I've been around all kinds of people and have often been surprised and occasionally disappointed. And I've been married 3 times for whatever that's worth to anyone else--it's a story that I know though. All in all for me life is and has been good. I just try my best to get over the bad parts and be optimistic about everything else.

I like the Ghost BC version best. As far as being introverted, I've watched authors around me get places because they aren't shy. Wherever I get, it will be because I worked hard, not because of connections. Sometimes I wish I were more extroverted, but I do okay.

Shannon, that's kind of the way I see it. I do what I need to do if that's what needs to be done. However I will say connections can help. Most of my favorite jobs were gotten because of someone I knew. I believe there to be a lot of truth to that old adage of "not what, but who you know".

Usually I come late to the comment party and read what others have said first. I do not let who is commenting influence me at all, but I like to read the thoughts of others and see if I missed anything factual that SHOULD have influenced my thinking. This time I've not read what anyone has said, so forgive if I am repeating what others have said.

I don't care for the song or either of the competitors. I appreciate your Hallowe'en efforts to work in something spooky, though.

I was SURE I'd vote for the second one once you described them as a "metal" band. After listening, I wondered where the hell the metal was!?!?

However, Ghost squeaks by with my vote because it is slightly less crummy than the first version. If they actually had 250 bpm double bass pedal work, thrashing staccato riffs, and growling vocals then the vote would have been more enthusiastic.

I definitely think we all justify being both at some point in our lives. Our personality depends on the situation and outside factors. A lot of the times I'm ALL about the TV remote and the couch. Great answer!

I kept my eyes closed and just listened to the music. John Wesley Harding's version (it was the drums) was just too repetitious and rather bland. Ghost's version had a lot more going on and was actually rather melodic. I'm going with #2.

I liked the Ghost version better, since I preferred the vocal stylings and instruments.

I'm also very introverted, but I can be very talkative and social with people I know well and feel comfortable with. It's really annoying when more introverted people try to prompt introverts to talk more, particularly when they use patronizing phrases like "Use your words." What am I, in preschool?

I never considered trying to come across as an extrovert. I'm sure it would be pretty obvious, perhaps insincere, and a little scary. I guess that's why people try not to make me mad, I think that's the one time I "extrovert" out, other than when trying to promote my books, but caffeine is usually involved then.

Placing my vote for John W. Harding. I don't know, I guess it just seemed to be a more fun rendition. If that makes any sense.

Introvert huh? I'm certainly that myself. Always hiding myself in a group of friends. I could be at a party, sitting in a corner all alone and be just as happy. I don't feel lonely because I'm surrounded by people, and best yet, I don't have to put on a face or a show for anyone. Why, at times I feel I'm invisible. Odd how a 300 pound man can blend into nothingness in a group of friends. LOL

I have met quite a few introverted extroverts, or at least some people who seem to be more in the middle on how they gain energy. One of my best friends is like that. She comes across as outgoing and talkative, but she can also blend into the background and needs to get away from people sometimes.

Isn't it weird how the Scandinavians are the most liberal and democratic people in the world, and yet they still keep to their violent Viking past by sticking to the most bizarre heavy metal sounds.. especially Finish people....

Dezmond, that's an interesting observation. Maybe it's the pent up anger from trying to be open-minded and pacifistic. I don't listen to much Scandinavian music other than an occasional dose of Abba. They're pretty safe.

It's good to be content with your own company, but come out and mingle when necessary. I think lots of performers are like that. They're "on" when they need to be, but hide away when they're off the stage.Play off the Page

Go ahead and say something. Don't be afraid to speak your mind.I normally try to respond to all comments in the comment section so please remember to check the "Email follow-up comments" box if you want to participate in the comment conversation.

For Battle of the Bands voting the "Anonymous" commenting option has been made available though this version is the least preferred. If voting using "anonymous" please include in your comment your name (first only is okay) and city you are voting from and the reason you chose the artist you did.

If you know me and want to comment but don't want to do it here, then you can send me an email @ jacksonlee51 at aol dot com.

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A juggler of words and phrases. My main blog is Tossing It Out. The focus blog for the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge can now be found at a-to-zchallenge.com where updates will be posted until the event in April begins.
Wrote By Rote is about memoir writing.
A Few Words is my Sunday contemplation blog.
A Faraway View is about dreams. Pick what you like or look at them all. I love blogging!